In the ever-evolving world of sneaker collecting, finding authentic yet affordable gems is the ultimate goal. My recent quest for a pair of Adidas NMDs led me down an interesting path: using a Chinese buying agent. Today, I want to share my detailed experience purchasing these sought-after sneakers through the Hoobuy1688.com.
For those unfamiliar, 1688.com
This is where a buying agent
My journey began not on 1688 directly, but on a fantastic resource I discovered: https://finds.cheap/. This site is a goldmine. It's a community-driven spreadsheet meticulously listing thousands of products found on Chinese platforms like 1688 and Taobao, often with direct links and user reviews. I simply searched for "Adidas NMD," filtered by highest ratings, and found several highly-recommended sellers on 1688. After selecting a specific store with positive feedback, I copied the product URL from 1688. I then created an account on Hoobuy's website, navigated to their "Place Order" section, and pasted the link. Their system automatically fetched the product details (price, color options, sizes). I input my size, confirmed the price (which was almost 40% cheaper than in my home country), and proceeded to pay Hoobuy for the product cost and the estimated domestic Chinese shipping to their warehouse. A few days later, Hoobuy notified me via email that my sneakers had arrived at their warehouse. They provided free QC (Quality Check) photos
Hoobuy offered various shipping lines (EMS, DHL, FedEx). I chose a reasonably priced option, and my package was on its way. The entire process, from initial order to delivery at my doorstep, took about 2.5 weeks. The sneakers were perfectly packaged and were completely authentic, exactly as shown in the photos. Pros:
Cons:https://finds.cheap/) to find reputable sellers. Communicating with the agent, while functional, can sometimes have slight language nuances. Would I use Hoobuy again to buy from 1688? Absolutely. For the significant savings on authentic products, the thorough process is more than worth it. The key to success lies in utilizing community resources to find reliable stores and carefully reviewing the QC pictures provided by the agent. It's a powerful method for any dedicated sneakerhead or bargain hunter looking to expand their horizons.The Step-by-Step Purchasing Process
Consolidation, Shipping, and Final Delivery
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Final Verdict